Redirecting and Replacing

Don’t think of a pink elephant. What did you just think of? Probably a pink elephant. This paradox illustrates a trap-like feature that lives inside your brain: the more you try to suppress a thought, the more intrusive it becomes. This is why a willpower approach doesn’t work.

When you try to resist a temptation, you end up focus­ing on the temptation. In doing so, you start down the mental pathway of that very sin, possibly deepening it. If you tell your­self, “I must not eat candy. I must not eat candy,” then you are still thinking about candy, strengthening that area of the brain, and now you want candy more than ever before! The harder you try to escape a brain trap like this, the further it ensnares you. In biblical terms, it becomes a “stronghold.”

The key to escaping a stronghold is not to attempt to rid yourself of the struggle through sheer willpower but rather to counter it by trying something new, preferably something healthy, productive, and enjoyable—something like helping others. It is no wonder why programs like Alcoholics Anonymous encourage addicts to serve others.

This replacement approach not only grows a new brain circuit, but it also releases dopamine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel happy, and this chemical helps strengthen the new brain circuit too! Instead of resisting a bad habit, redirect and replace it with a new one. This is also how the practice of memorizing Scripture can help overcome strongholds.

Find and memorize a verse that speaks to your issue, and whenever the issue comes up, repeat your chosen verse in your head. For example, if you struggle with anxiety, memorize Matthew 6:25–27 that tells of God’s loving care so that your brain focuses on that comforting truth instead.

Takeaway: Instead of resisting a bad habit, redirect and replace it with a new one.